LOVE THE GREEN

When we think about the color green, we tend to think about nature. And, if you think about healthy and happiness you should think about nature.

There are many ways to bring nature into your life... outside and inside. Here are some of them.

FOOD

There is no natural green food that is not very healthy, full of vitamins andproteins.

Broccoli is known to be a tasty vegetable which is rich in dozens of nutrients. It is loaded with enzymes, protein, and fiber and is perfect for salads, sandwiches, and soups. The antioxidant vitamin C, when eaten in its natural form, can help to fight skin damage caused by the sun, reduce wrinkles, and improve overall skin texture. Broccoli also decreases the risk of diabetes and obesity.

Asparagus is a spring vegetable that is packed with nutrition and is an incredible source of fiber, folate, vitamins A, C, K, and iron. It's one of the top-ranked vegetables for its ability to neutralize cell-damaging free radicals. It pairs nicely with lots of other spring vegetables and flavors.

Avocado is an extremely rich source of omega-3 fats, protein, vitamin E and antioxidants that protect the skin, heart, and blood. Avocado has enormous anti-inflammatory effects on the body, supports cardiovascular health, promotes blood sugar regulation and has anti-cancer benefits. Goes great with anything from smoothies to desserts, sandwiches, salads, and dips.

Kiwi is great for cleansing and balancing blood sugar levels and an excellent source of vitamin C. It also provides a good amount of fiber which may provide help with cardiovascular health, colon health and may help protect against respiratory symptoms such as wheezing from asthma. It is also beneficial to eyes and general health.

Green olives provide potent anti-oxidant, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory benefits to the body. The high monounsaturated fat content of olives has been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. The monounsaturated fat found in olives can help to decrease blood pressure.

Spinach is among the world’s healthiest vegetables and comes out on top of in ranking for nutrient richness. Rich in vitamins and minerals with powerful antioxidant protection, spinach also helps to protect the body against inflammatory concerns, oxidative stress-related concerns, cardiovascular concerns, bone concerns, and cancers at the same time.

Zucchini contains zero fat, and is high in water and fiber. It also contains significant amounts of vitamins B6, riboflavin, folate, C, and K, and minerals, like potassium and manganese. Because of this, it can help to boost energy production in the body. These vitamins also aid in various brain functions including cognition.

Green fruits and vegetables are not only good to eat, but they also can be used for making a good face mask. Here are some fast recipes for quality face masks.

Avocado - Mix together one avocado, one egg white, two tablespoons of oatmeal, and one teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply to face, leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Do this twice a week.

Cucumber - Beat one egg white until you get stiff peaks, and mix it with two tablespoons of freshly grated cucumber. Apply the mask on clean skin and cover it with damp cheesecloth so it will not dry too fast. Leave for 20 minutes and rinse with cold water.

Zucchini - Take one small raw zucchini and with a potato peeler slice it into long thin strips and place them on your clean face and neck. After 20 minutes, remove the strips and wash your face with milk and water.

PLANTS

Green is not only for foods, green in living things. So, bring some life into your room. Indoor plants can help with adding much-needed color pops, acoustics, mental and physical health and much more.

The best houseplants for living room are Philodendron and English Ivy which are especially good for absorbing mold in the air. A dining room is a perfect place for Marble queen and Golden pothos because they have air-purifying qualities. The bedroom is a great area for plants such as Aloe vera and Peace Lily that is great for absorbing compounds in the air. Aloe vera absorbs airborne compounds from paint or cleaning agents, and you can also have it handy for treating your sunburn. If we have plants around us, it makes the feeling that we are closer to nature.

CLOTHES

If you like nature and healthy living, then clothes from natural materials are a must. Make sure the cotton is organic, that is, made from untreated GMO-free seeds. Also, avoid to wear synthetic materials but also, avoid synthetics in the house. For example, don't use synthetic carpets and curtains.

REDUCING PLASTIC USAGE

We also have more chance to live healthy if we avoid usage of plastic. Plastic is all around us but we should try to replace it with a metal or glass alternative. The chemicals in plastic and plastic particles may cause cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, arthritis, impotency and even harm babies in the womb. A kitchen is a place where we most often use plastic items. Just by opening the fridge or the kitchen cabinet you will see your food wrapped in all sorts of plastic. All these plastic bags can be easily replaced with paper ones.

Contributed by Olivera, a lawyer who is constantly on the move, traveling between Europe, the USA, and Australia. She is married to a handsome IT guy who inspires her to live an active and positive lifestyle. She is in love with nature, traveling, and books. Writing is her way to share various ideas and thoughts about positive thinking, healthy living and helping others to do the same.